Break dancing, also known as breaking, is more than just flips and tricks. It is a culture that centers around peace, love, unity, and having fun. Aspiring U.S. Olympians like Victor Montalvo and Sunny Choi are looking to bring this essence to the Paris Olympics this summer. Breaking is one of the four elements of hip-hop, and the dancers aim to showcase this spirit at the Games. The U.S. Olympic team will consist of four breakers, with Montalvo and Choi already qualified.
Breaking will debut at the Olympics with 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls competing in solo dance battles for gold medals on August 9 and 10 at La Concorde. The sport joined the Olympic system at the Youth Games in 2018 and has since gained momentum to be included in the Paris Games. The inclusion of breaking, along with surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing, is an effort to reach a younger audience. For Choi, bringing breaking to the Olympics is about celebrating diversity and individuality on a global stage.
The road to the Olympics has been a transformative journey for many breakers, like Choi, who left her corporate job to train full-time for Paris 2024. Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón, a longtime member of the Rock Steady Crew, sees the Olympics as an opportunity to inspire young breakers and open doors for greater endorsements and support for the community. However, there are concerns about the longevity of breaking’s Olympic presence, as it may not be included in future Games after Paris.
The organizers and participants of breaking are looking beyond the Olympics to sustain the culture and community in the long term. Colón emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for breakers to continue their careers after the Games. The exposure from the Olympics is seen as a platform to attract new fans and promote the sport to a wider audience. Ultimately, the goal is to leverage the Olympic platform to elevate breaking and ensure its lasting impact.
Breaking’s Olympic debut is seen as a major opportunity to showcase the sport to the world and elevate its message and culture. Athletes like Jeffrey Louis and Sunny Choi are excited to share their community and represent their backgrounds on the international stage. The Olympics present a chance for breaking to gain recognition as a physically and mentally challenging sport, beyond its entertainment value. Spectators are eager to witness the skill and passion of breakers in a highly competitive setting.
The enthusiasm for breaking in the Olympics is evident in the sold-out tickets and high demand for the event. The athletes are determined to demonstrate the true essence of breaking, including its cultural significance and competitive spirit. Despite uncertainties about the sport’s future Olympic presence, the focus remains on showcasing the best of breaking at its inaugural Games in Paris. The athletes, organizers, and fans are united in their excitement for breaking’s moment on the world stage.
